Interpreter of Maladies Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Who is the driver in the story?

Mr. Kapasi, he is also the tour guide.

Who makes up the family in the story?

Mr. and Mrs. Das and their kids.

What scene first shows how dysfunctional the Das family is?

The couple bickers over who takes their daughter to the bathroom.

How were Ronny and Bobby fooling around?

They were trying to feed a goat a piece of gum. Signup and view all the answers

What is Mrs. Das's first name?

Mina. Signup and view all the answers

What is Mr. Das's first name?

Raj. Signup and view all the answers

What animal is referred to as widespread in the story?

Monkeys, referred to as the Hanuman. Signup and view all the answers

What unusual desire does Mr. Das have?

To take a picture of a barefoot, emaciated homeless man. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mrs. Das yell at her daughter about?

She wouldn't do her nails, saying 'you'll mess me up.' Signup and view all the answers

How does Mr. Kapasi perceive the couple?

He sees them as acting like immature siblings. Signup and view all the answers

What is Mr. Kapasi's actual job?

He works as an interpreter for patients in a doctor's office. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Mr. Kapasi start working as an interpreter in a doctor's office?

He took on debt after his son got typhoid and needed to earn more money. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mrs. Das do that Mr. Kapasi may have taken the wrong way?

She shows interest in him and asks to eat lunch with the family. Signup and view all the answers

Where were they touring that day?

Konark and the Sun Temple. Signup and view all the answers

What has Mr. Kapasi never experienced with his wife?

He hasn't seen her fully naked. Signup and view all the answers

What secrets does Mrs. Das reveal to Mr. Kapasi?

Bobby isn't Raj's son; she had an affair with Raj's friend. Signup and view all the answers

What big mistake does Mrs. Das make at the hills they visit?

She spills tufts of rice near Bobby, attracting monkeys. Signup and view all the answers

What is the last thing that happens in the story?

Mrs. Das's slip of paper with Kapasi's address floats away. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characters and Setting

Mr. Kapasi serves dual roles as a driver and tour guide, providing insights into the family's dynamics.
The Das family is comprised of Mr. Raj Das, Mrs. Mina Das, and their children, who are originally from India but currently reside in New Brunswick, NJ.
The family is on a tour of India, highlighting their disconnection from cultural roots.

Family Dynamics

The initial scene showcases family dysfunction through a petty argument between Mr. and Mrs. Das over taking their daughter to the bathroom, revealing an immature relationship.
The children, Ronny and Bobby, exhibit playful behavior by attempting to feed a goat gum, contributing to the chaotic family atmosphere.
Mrs. Das prioritizes her personal grooming over her daughter's needs, signifying her self-absorption.

Mr. Kapasi's Perspective

Mr. Kapasi observes the Das couple behaving like immature siblings, which adds to his critique of their relationship.
His profession as an interpreter for patients in a doctor's office is seen as unromantic and burdensome by his wife due to emotional reminders of their deceased son.

Mr. Kapasi's Background

His aspiration was to be an interpreter for diplomats, reflecting his intelligence and capability in numerous languages.
A significant turning point in his life was taking a job in a doctor's office to repay debts accrued from his son's illness, showcasing the impact of personal tragedy on career choices.

Mrs. Das's Confessions

Mrs. Das reveals a shocking secret to Mr. Kapasi—that Bobby is not Raj's biological son, which drastically shifts the understanding of her marital fidelity.
She feels a sense of guilt and yearning to escape her life, but her confessions are perceived by Mr. Kapasi as trivial in comparison to real suffering, leading him to feel insulted.

Monkeys and Chaos

While touring the hills of Konark, an incident occurs when Mrs. Das carelessly spills rice, attracting monkeys and putting Bobby in danger, a moment that illustrates the chaos surrounding the family.
Mr. Kapasi has an opportunity during this incident to leverage Mrs. Das's secrets against her, revealing the complexities of his emotional state.

Conclusion and Symbolism

The story culminates with Mrs. Das's slip of paper containing Mr. Kapasi's address floating away, symbolizing fleeting connections and unresolved issues between the characters.

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Description

Test your knowledge of key characters and themes in Jhumpa Lahiri's 'Interpreter of Maladies'. This quiz includes important definitions and scenes that highlight the family's dynamics during their visit to India. Perfect for students looking to grasp the nuances of the story.